Sophie Hall – Celebrating 20 years at Warren

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This year marks a remarkable milestone for one of our most respected and admired team members – Sophie Hall, who is celebrating 20 years with the company.

Sophie joined Warren at a time when it was still rare to see women in engineering roles – particularly in rural Norfolk. She had completed her Engineering Apprenticeship with Bosch in Stowmarket, but after a less-than-ideal stint at a small commercial glazing company in Brandon, she found herself at a crossroads.

Through mutual friends and family connections, Richard and Will Bridgman approached Sophie with an invitation to join Warren. Initially, she declined – but undeterred, they persisted. Thankfully, she eventually said yes, and joined the business just as it was relocating to the Fison Way site in Thetford.

It proved to be an excellent decision for all involved. Sophie has never looked back, and Warren has never looked the same.

Even in her earliest days, Sophie stood out. Her technical training, professionalism and determination were immediately evident – and so too was her influence on the workplace culture. She quickly instigated the removal of outdated ‘girly’ calendars and helped set a new tone for the business. She was, and still is, uncompromising when it comes to sexism or casual remarks – and helped Warren become a more inclusive, accommodating and respectful company.

Over the past two decades, Sophie has taken on a wide variety of roles across the business. She’s been instrumental in:

  • Estimating, costing and planning
  • Customer visits and site surveys
  • Organising and managing trade shows – including one event that led to securing one of Warren’s largest accounts
  • Mentoring young people, especially during school visits and community outreach

Her technical knowledge, combined with her excellent people skills, make her one of the company’s most trusted ambassadors. When customers come to visit, Sophie is often the one showing them around, offering real insight into our operations, backed by two decades of first-hand experience.

Today, Sophie is focused on Business Development – one of the most challenging roles in any company. Cold calling and pursuing new leads is never easy, but Sophie handles it with resilience and professionalism. She knows that you often only get a few seconds to make an impression, and she uses her wealth of experience to do just that.

Sophie has paved the way for more women to enter engineering. Her example has encouraged a cultural shift that is now becoming visible. This year, for the first time, two of the four new Engineering Apprentices joining Warren from Thetford Academy are female – a milestone that reflects just how far things have come, thanks to pioneers like Sophie.

Sophie, you’ve helped shape Warren into the company it is today. Your strength, your standards, your humour and your humanity are woven into our culture, and we are incredibly proud to have you as part of the team.

Thank you for 20 outstanding years. Here’s to many more!

Warren celebrates 35 years- then and now

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This year, Warren proudly marks 35 years in business. From its modest beginnings in a garage to becoming a leading name in precision engineering, the journey of Warren (formerly Warren Services), is a story of family, dedication and a passion for British manufacturing.

Here is a brief history of how Warren started, with photos of back then and now. You can read more about our main milestones on our website here.

Buildings

Then:
It all began in 1990, when Richard and Sharon Bridgman officially started Warren in the Old School at Feltwell. But as HR Director Estee Ross reminded us, the very first home of Warren was actually their garage!

Old School at Feltwell

In 2004, Warren made a bold move by investing in a near-derelict 30,000 sq. ft building on Fison Way, Thetford.

Now:
Today, Warren operates from two impressive facilities in Thetford. The original Fison Way factory was joined in 2014 by a second site at Brickfields Way. Together, these sites provide over 80,000 sq. ft of advanced manufacturing, fabrication and assembly space.

Fison Way site

Brickfields Way site

Staff

Then:
The Warren team began with just five people. Richard and Sharon were joined by three trusted colleagues from Richard’s previous business in Brandon: Paul Green (fondly known as Squeak), Paul Tuffs (Tuffy), and Ray Underhill. Tuffy left in 1993 to pursue a new role, but Paul and Ray stayed on to help shape the company’s future.

The original Warren Services team

Between 1990 and 1997, Warren invested in its people, bringing in apprentices and even acquiring its first computer to generate professional invoices – a forward-thinking move at the time!

Now:
Warren now employs 113 skilled individuals. Paul Green remains a vital part of the team – a testament to his loyalty and the close-knit culture Richard and Sharon fostered from the beginning. Ray has since retired and his contribution lives on in the business he helped build.

The current Warren team

Ray recently returned, alongside his wife, to help celebrate Warren’s 35-year anniversary milestone.

Richard, Paul and Ray

Branding – Logo and Website

Then:
In its early days, Warren’s branding was simple and functional, much like the business itself.

Warren Services’ original logo

 

Warren Services’ original website

 

Warren Services’ lorry with original logo

Now:
In 2023, Warren Services rebranded to become simply ‘Warren’. The refreshed logo and newly designed website represent a confident, modern business that’s still rooted in its values but looking firmly to the future. The updated identity better reflects the scale, ambition and professionalism of Warren today.

Warren’s new logo

Warren’s new website

 

Warren’s newly branded clothing

Directors

Then:
A key moment in the company’s growth came in 2001, when Will Bridgman, (Richard and Sharon’s son) joined the business after studying Business and Finance at the University of Birmingham. By 2002, Warren had reached a £1 million turnover and Will stepped into the role of Managing Director.

Richard, Sharon and Will celebrating the acquisition of the Fison Way site.

Now:
Today, Warren is led by a dynamic board of directors: Will Bridgman (Managing Director), Estee Ross (HR Director), Becky Mason (Financial Director), and Lee Charlton (Operations Director). This talented team is continuing to drive the company forward, combining decades of experience with fresh ideas and strategic vision.

Will, Estee, beck and Lee – current Directors of Warren

Projects

Then:
Warren’s early success came in the theatre and stage industry, with bespoke winches and automation systems taking Richard and his team as far as the United States. This vintage photo shows Richard hard at work in America – a snapshot of Warren’s hands-on origins and global ambition.

Richard – working in America

Now:
While still known for its engineering versatility, Warren has diversified into a broad range of industries. Today, the company works extensively in the construction, agriculture and turbine sectors, building on its solid reputation for innovation and quality.

One of Warren’s recent projects – modular balconies

Here’s to the next 35 years!
As Warren reflects on this incredible journey, the Bridgman family and all at Warren thank everyone – staff, customers, suppliers and supporters who’ve played a role in reaching this milestone. From a garage in Brookville to a multi-site engineering powerhouse, Warren’s story is proof that with vision and hard work, anything is possible.

Happy 35th birthday to Warren!

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May 2025 marks a truly special milestone for everyone at Warren – we’re officially 35 years old! What began in a small garage has grown into a thriving manufacturing and engineering company with over 120 employees and two state-of-the-art sites in Thetford.

From our early days in 1990, when founders Richard and Sharon moved the business into one half of an old village school in Feltwell, we’ve been focused on growth, innovation and investing in people. Fast forward to today and we’re proud to be a forward-thinking, family-run company still driven by those same values – with a rich history of developing talent, expanding capabilities and leading the way in engineering excellence.

You can read more about our journey on our History page, but for now we’d like to take a moment to celebrate what we’ve achieved – and what better way to do that than with a bit of fun and food!

To mark our 35th birthday, we’re kicking off the celebrations with a company Go-Karting trip!

50 team members have already signed up and we’re sure it’s going to be a great day out filled with friendly competition, fast corners and lots of laughs.

Then on Monday 12th May, we’ll be continuing the celebrations back at Warren HQ with some tasty treats for everyone to enjoy.

As part of our celebration, we want to shine a light on someone who’s been part of Warren from the very beginning: Paul Green. Paul has been with us since day one (a remarkable 35 years) and his loyalty, skill and commitment have been a huge part of Warren’s success. Thank you, Paul, for all the years you’ve dedicated to the business.

From pioneering computerised invoicing in the early ’90s to achieving multi-million-pound turnover, expanding our facilities and being recognised with national awards for talent development and sustainability, Warren has always been about looking forward. And while we’re proud of the last 35 years, we’re even more excited for the next 35.

To everyone who has contributed to our story (past and present), thank you. Here’s to more innovation, more growth and many more reasons to celebrate.

Happy Birthday, Warren!

Celebrating 20 years of Christine Webb at Warren

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This year marks a very special milestone for one of Warren’s longest-serving team members, Christine Webb. It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since Christine first joined the business, but looking back, it’s clear that her contribution over the last two decades has been nothing short of remarkable.

The beginning – Fulford-Walker and the Brandon days

20 years ago, Warren purchased a small company in Brandon called Fulford-Walker. The factory was a far cry from today’s standards – noisy, dark and more than a little oily – but it came with its own loyal customer base and a hardworking team. Among them was Christine.

Christine mainly handled second operations (or “second-opps”), taking semi-finished parts and transforming them with her speed and precision – her hands moved like lightning!

From Brandon to Fison Way

As Warren grew, we relocated the business to our Fison Way factory. All the old Cam-auto machines made the move too, and the section of the factory where they were housed soon earned the nickname “the Brandon Bungalow” – now known as our inspection room.

In time, as the industry evolved, we transitioned from Cam-autos to more advanced Sliding Head machines. Although the machines changed, Christine’s role remained just as vital. She adapted seamlessly, taking on countless responsibilities across the factory floor without ever missing a beat.

Christine today – still going strong

These days, Christine works alongside her daughter Becky, keeping both of our factories spotless. Cleaning is no small task in a manufacturing environment, but Christine tackles it with her usual efficiency and pride. One challenge we faced in recent years was managing staff overalls – laundering, organising, and redistributing them. Christine and Becky stepped up and took full ownership of the task, and it’s run like clockwork ever since.

Christine’s work ethic, loyalty and can-do spirit have made her a true value to Warren. Even now, while most people might be thinking about winding down, Christine has said she’s not ready to stop completely – and we’ll do everything we can to support her in working at a pace that suits her.

Thank you, Christine

From all of us at Warren – and especially from the family, thank you Christine, for your 20 years of dedication, hard work and loyalty. We really would be lost without you.

A note about Geoff

Many of you will also remember Geoff, who joined us from the Brandon site alongside Christine. Geoff looked after the Cam-autos and later became our Maintenance Engineer at Fison Way. Like Christine, nothing ever phased him, and to this day, he’s remembered as the best Maintenance man we’ve ever had.

Here’s to the people who helped shape Warren into what it is today.

Celebrating 20 Years of John “Beaky” Challis at Warren

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During his two decades with Warren, John has played a crucial role in helping the business expand and tackle a range of complex projects, many of which have taken us worldwide. One standout project was with Jackstones Vertical Plate Freezer Systems, where we were tasked with producing vertical freezer plates used for instantly freezing fish on board massive ships. The challenge? These plates were made entirely of aluminium, a material we hadn’t extensively worked with before.

This project required an incredibly precise welding process, one that involved pre-heating the plates, performing a long, continuous weld, and finally pressure-testing the results. John rose to the challenge by undergoing specialist training at the TWI Welding Institute in Cambridge, ensuring that the work met the highest standards. Even today, Martin Odell from TWI still remembers John, and his test piece is held as a testament to his skill.

A commitment to learning and sharing knowledge

Throughout his time at Warren, John has never stopped learning. He’s undergone further training and testing at the TWI over the years and now holds several prestigious qualifications, including a CSWIP 3.1 certification. His dedication to continuous improvement, both personally and professionally, has been an inspiration to all of us at Warren.

What sets John apart even more is his willingness to share his skills with others, particularly our apprentices. His knowledge, experience, and unwavering commitment to quality have been passed down to the next generation of welders at Warren. John’s patience and mentorship have helped to shape the future of our company, and for that, we are deeply grateful.

A true asset and character

John is more than just an exceptional welder; he’s an indispensable part of Warren’s culture. His loyalty, unflappable nature, and ever-present sense of humour make him a real character. No matter the challenge, nothing seems to phase him, and he’s always there to lend a hand or offer advice.

As we celebrate John’s 20 years with us, we look back with gratitude for everything he’s done to support Warren’s growth and success. His contributions have been immense, and we are truly fortunate to have him as part of our team. Here’s to many more years of working alongside John and continuing to build on the strong foundation he helped create.

From everyone at Warren, thank you, John, for your unwavering dedication and incredible skill. We can’t wait to see what the future holds.

A Memorable Evening at the Bridge Theatre: Warren’s Grand Project

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We’re excited to share with you a delightful experience that took place on the 76th birthday of Warren’s Founder Owner, Richard Bridgman, November 24th. To celebrate this special day, Richard and his wife Sharon accompanied by a couple of close friends, made their way to the iconic Bridge Theatre in London for a spectacular performance of “Guys and Dolls.”

Now, for those of you who were part of the Warren family before 2017, the Bridge Theatre holds a special place in our hearts. It stands as a testament to one of the most significant projects we’ve ever undertaken. Our team was responsible for constructing every element of the theatre, from the walls and walkways to stairways, tiered platforms, balustrades, and balcony bars. The sheer scale of the fabrications and walls challenged our capacity to the absolute limit, but the end result was nothing short of extraordinary.

Returning to the Bridge Theatre six years later felt like living a dream for Richard. The craftsmanship still looked impeccable, and witnessing the show was the perfect way to reminisce about the challenges we faced during the construction. The performance itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, captivating us from start to finish.

As a special treat before the theatre officially opened its doors in 2017, Warren was generously given tickets for a “Builders Night.” This event was a chance for those involved in the construction to come together, enjoy a show, and relish in the success of our hard work. It was a night filled with camaraderie, laughter, and a shared appreciation for the incredible journey we had undertaken.

As we reflect on this memorable evening, we can’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment, grateful for the opportunity to witness the fruits of our labour continuing to shine on the grand stage.

Here’s to the Bridge Theatre, the memories it holds, and the legacy of excellence that Warren Services continues to build upon. Until next time, cheers to the moments that make our journey truly remarkable!

The Rickshaw Revolution in Thetford

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We have some exciting news about a recent development that has the potential to make a significant impact in our town—the Rickshaw Revolution. Inspired by the success of the Rickshaw Project in Bury St Edmunds, Warren has taken the initiative to bring this fantastic endeavour to Thetford.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, the Bury Rickshaw Project is a remarkable organisation run entirely by volunteers, dedicated to providing assistance and support to those in need. Intrigued by their success, we invited Libby, one of the founders of the Bury Rickshaw Project, to a meeting of the Thetford PAG (Partnership Advisory Group) to share her insights.

Libby’s presentation took us on a journey, explaining how the Bury Rickshaw Project started and detailing their progress to date. The project now boasts six rickshaws that offer rides to individuals who face challenges in getting around, particularly the elderly and those with mobility issues. Additionally, Libby informed us about their efforts to collect surplus food and groceries from supermarkets, bakers, and farmers, distributing these items to various support charities across the town. Libby and Sam, the founders, have received recognition from none other than the King and have made appearances on The One Show.

The pictures below show our Founder Owner Richard Bridgman, Judy and Billie from the Norfolk Community Foundation, Julia Nix from the DWP, and David (one of the volunteers from Bury) driving the Rickshaw.

Inspired by the success story, the Thetford PAG unanimously decided to launch a similar project in our town. Judy Dow from the Norfolk Community Foundation, present at the meeting, generously offered assistance, and with collaborative efforts from Judy, Billie, and the Foundation, we recently hosted our inaugural event at the Thetford Guildhall, provided by the Council.

The event featured a Rickshaw on display for attendees to explore and experience firsthand. we were overwhelmed by the turnout—over 60 individuals from charities, various organisations, councils, and businesses attended, including the Mayor of Thetford.

Special thanks to Judy and Billie from the Norfolk Community Foundation, Julia Nix from the DWP, and David, a dedicated volunteer from Bury, who drove the Rickshaw during the event. Your support and enthusiasm have laid the foundation for what promises to be a transformative initiative for our community.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this first meeting a resounding success.

Allen Towler’s Retirement

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Allen Towler retires, after 23 years service.

Allen started with us back in the Old School at Feltwell. Allen is traditionally a turner; mostly manual, but he moved over to CNC on the small Haas machine later. It’s only at times like this that you reflect on the past.

Founder and Owner of Warren, Richard Bridgen said, “After we started doing the winch drums, they were getting bigger and bigger in diameter, as well as longer. I can remember taking Allen to a machine tool dealer in Newmarket, to look at a long bed lathe that we bought. Once installed, that was the beginning of our journey into the really big drums.

“I can still see Allen wearing a pair of metal studded gauntlets (a bit like chainmail) pulling the swarf away in long lengths when scrolling the grooves; this was highly dangerous work.

“To mark Allen’s retirement after 23 years, Sharon and I wanted to take him and his wife Val out for a meal. As Squeak is a good friend of Alan’s we invited him as well. After a lot of thought, we all decided on Valley Connection an Indian restaurant in Bury. Alan does a bit of Indian cooking so he knows all the spices and dishes. I agreed to act as chauffeur so they could all have a drink. The food was wonderful and was enjoyed by all. We had a good chat about the old days and how Warren has changed over the years. It’s always great to get together and reflect on the past. Currently, Allen was still working through his job list. I suggested he might need to get back to his fishing. After leaving the restaurant, we all enjoyed a walk around the town, as it was such a lovely warm evening.

“Everyone at Warren wishes Allen well and here is a very personal ‘thank you’ from Sharon and I, for those 23 years (what a journey!).”

Allen Towler retired from Warren on Friday 19th May. We wish him all the best for his retirement.

End of an era

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Way back in 1990, when Richard and Sharon started Warren in the Old School at Feltwell, they were joined by three guys who had worked for Richard in Brandon – Paul Green (Squeak), Paul Tuffs (Tuffy) and Ray Underhill. Tuffy worked with us until 1993, when he left to go and work at Chase Plastics.

Reunion, with Ray (far left)

This Christmas, Ray Retired to spend more time with his wife and do some travelling. Ray is quite a character and a well respected engineer. He gets those milling jobs that are hard to clamp down, hold and machine. He’s most happy working on a Bridgeport rather than a CNC. Throughout the years working with us, Ray has worked in all areas of the business and at both sites. He will be sorely missed by those in the Milling section, especially by some of the young lads who he has helped nurture through the years.

Ray is certainly a one-off and has helped make and shape what Warren is today. Squeak is now the only one left holding the baton of the original employees along with Richard and Sharon. We all wish you well in your much earned retirement Ray.